LAURA MUIR has been backed to repeat her Oslo Diamond League triumph of 2015 tonight and become the first-ever female winner of the Dream Mile.
The 23-year-old took a brilliant victory in the Norwegian capital 12 months ago to underline her credentials as a world-class talent to be reckoned with.
With a women’s version of the classic race making its debut, the Olympic hopeful is likely to slice a huge margin off her previous personal best at the distance of 5 minutes and 26 seconds – set as a young teenager in Grangemouth in 2007.
And Muir’s coach Andy Young believes the world championship finalist is ready to challenge for titles as Rio approaches.
“She’s been leaving me with my jaw on the ground in some of these sessions recently and I have seen her do some amazing stuff in the past,” he said.
“We’re not as focused on personal bests or amazing times this year. I’m sure she may well be in PB shape. But it's more important that we try and ensure we translate that form into a great performance in Rio. After all, she has already broken the 4-minute barrier for 1500m. And having only just turned 23, there are plenty more years for PBs.”
Kenya’s three-time world champion Asbel Kiprop will go for a fifth Dream Mile win in the men’s race.
Susan Partridge, meanwhile, has pulled out of the British team for next month’s European Championships in Amsterdam. The Oban-born veteran, who cited fitness concerns, will be replaced in the half marathon by Jess Coulson.
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